Johnson City vs Knoxville: Clinical and Counseling Psychologist Salary (2026)
Compare clinical and counseling psychologist salaries between Johnson City, TN and Knoxville, TN. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Johnson City, TN | Knoxville, TN |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $77,051▲ | $67,682 |
| Hourly Rate | $37.04▲ | $32.54 |
| Entry Level (P10) | $44,689 | $53,959▲ |
| 25th Percentile | $55,477 | $55,797▲ |
| 75th Percentile | $98,625 | $103,220▲ |
| Top Earner (P90) | $119,429 | $139,714▲ |
| Total Employed | 16 | 170▲ |
Verdict
Johnson City and Knoxville are closely matched on overall clinical and counseling psychologist compensation, each winning on different metrics.
The salary gap between Johnson City and Knoxville is $9,369 (13.84%). Johnson City's median is -27.10% compared to the US national median of $105,689.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Johnson City spans $74,740,Knoxville spans $85,755. Knoxville has a wider pay range, suggesting more variation in pay between entry-level and experienced clinical and counseling psychologists.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Comparison
After cost-of-living adjustment, Johnson City ($83,934 effective) pays 14.80% more than Knoxville ($73,115 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Johnson City if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($77,051/year)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $83,934)
- ✓You prefer the Tennessee area and lifestyle
Choose Knoxville if…
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($139,714)
- ✓Larger job market (170 employed)
- ✓You prefer the Tennessee area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, clinical and counseling psychologist salaries in Johnson City grew -11.2% from 2024 to 2025, compared to -1.5% growth in Knoxville over the same period.
Johnson City, TN
$82,551 (2024) → $73,326 (2025)
Knoxville, TN
$65,380 (2021) → $64,410 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Johnson City, TN
Knoxville, TN
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays clinical and counseling psychologists more: Johnson City or Knoxville?
What is the hourly rate difference between Johnson City and Knoxville?
Should I relocate from Johnson City to Knoxville as a clinical and counseling psychologist?
What do entry-level clinical and counseling psychologists earn in Johnson City vs Knoxville?
Related Comparisons
Written by Maria Gonzalez, PhD, LPC
Career Analyst
Maria has 10 years of experience in clinical psychology. She specializes in cognitive behavioral therapy. Maria works at a mental health clinic in Chicago.
Methodology & Data Source
All salary figures are 2026 projections based on BLS OEWS May 2025 data. A 5.08% CAGR (derived from 6-year national BLS trends) was applied to estimate current compensation. Cost-of-living adjustments use BEA Regional Price Parity data. Actual salaries vary by employer, certifications, and experience.
Data Sources & Methodology
Source: BLS, OEWS , released .
Compiled and verified by Maria Gonzalez, PhD, LPC, a licensed clinical and counseling psychologist with 10+ years of clinical experience. · View source data at BLS.gov